Bonds are boring.  They are not sexy and in many ways it is difficult to see how to buy them let along even understand how the bond market works and why it is a good bet sometimes.  Bonds are influenced by interest rates because as rates rise so do the rates that bonds will pay to people willing to buy bonds and that makes them more favorable than stocks in some situations.  Bonds now are paying about 5% for a bank CD rate and corporate bonds are paying over that.  If you can make that rate without a fear of the price going down in the amount you paid for the bond it can make sense when stock are tanking.  Bonds are the tail that wags the dog many say!  Buying a bond can be done through your self directed account (call and ask the trade desk to walk you through the process) or most firms have a “bond desk” where you can speak with a bond specialist who can give you a quote on bonds that are for sale.  You can buy a bond just as easily as a stock once you learn how and it is something to look at when stock and equities start to get you nervous.  In general just realize when you buy a bond you are buying the debt or in other words, lending the company money in $1,000 increments at par per bond.  You want to be sure the company is rated according to your risk tolerance with AAA being the top rating and you can also check Moody’s to get a bond report for not charge.  Bonds fluctuate in value in your account once you purchase them depending on the valuation of what a buyer would be willing to be paid for your bond if you wanted to sell it.  It is NOT sold quick just like a stock or equity though you are able to sell it.  Remember that the date of maturity is important.  Right now in the is environment short term bonds of 1-3 years are practically paying the same as a 7-10 year bond so you do not have to have a long maturity to make some interest over 5% and if interest are going to continue to be raised by the Federal Reserve you wouldn’t wan to lock into a rate lower than the future rate for too long.  Some pundants say its time to buy more bonds and less stocks.  Always check with your financial expert before making financial decisions.